My name is Paul Fine and I am ABSOLUTELY overjoyed to be one of the Associate Principals at Rice Elementary School! While my office will be in the Intermediate building, I look forward to supporting all students, teachers, and staff at Rice Elementary School, from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th Grade.

Originally from New York City, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Nevada - Las Vegas in 2010, and the next year I was hired as a teacher for the first time, at San Carlos Secondary School! Being a city kid my whole life, I was then, and still am, overwhelmed by how welcoming and supportive the community of San Carlos is, especially my first group of students, some of whom I am happy to say I am still in touch with.

After six years of teaching here, as well as living in Skill Center, I moved to San Diego to be closer to my parents. I found the transition back to a city extremely difficult, and no number of beaches and beautiful weather could replace the relationships I had built with the students, families, staff, and friends at SC. So I came back to visit. A LOT. I was even asked to be the keynote speaker at the high school graduation one year, which I still have video of, thanks to a certain teacher at the high school.

My mother passed away from ovarian cancer in June 2018, a week after her 67th birthday. I stayed in San Diego two more years after that, living with my father as we both made our way through the grieving process. In the summer of 2020, I returned to San Carlos High School, just in time to spend a whole year teaching online! In 2021 I earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University, with the hopes of one day becoming an Associate Principal or Principal in San Carlos. In 2023, I did get my opportunity to become an Associate Principal, as I was hired to work at Miami Junior / Senior High School. However, I never got rid of any of my Braves gear, and am eternally grateful to get another opportunity to support the families of the community in realizing the dreams of our students!!!!